But Wenger's delight at returning to the top of the table was soured by a double injury blow as Tomas Rosicky suffered a suspected broken nose and Nacho Monreal may have a metatarsal injury.

Gunners boss Wenger said: "It was a big win for us tonight. It was a nervous finish and we had to fight until the end.

"We had to give a strong response tonight. Everybody was looking to see if we would drop points because they claimed their points over the weekend.

"You're always under a bit more pressure when you play last as you know you cannot drop any points. You can only give one answer, which is to win the game. I like the fact that we're mentally ready for a fight.

"It shows you that we have to be cautious, as football can change very quickly."

Wenger admitted he is concerned about Monreal while substitute Rosicky was taken off shortly after coming on following an elbow from Gabby Agbonlahor.

"Rosicky has a bad nose. I don't know if it's broken or not, but it looks bad. It was an elbow, but I didn't see it honestly," said Wenger. "Tomas told me it was an elbow, but he doesn't know if he did it on purpose.

"Monreal was an accident, but we have to check his metatarsal in the morning. He got kicked on the top of the laces."

Wenger also praised man of the match Wilshere and claimed the England midfielder showed that he is getting back to his best.

Wenger added: "Jack has found his change of pace back, and his penetration. His game is about that. He's not only a passer, he's a guy who's incisive with the ball.

"That's his strength, and for that you need to be at the top of your game physically. You can see it when he's training well physically. He's coming back to his best."